Yarbrough joined UFC just when the competition was taking off, losing in the third ever championship match — in which he was defeated by Keith Hackney. Before joining UFC, he played other sports like football and sumo wrestling.

UFC officials released the following statement to Fox Sports on Tuesday, sending its "sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Emanuel Yarbrough".

Yarbrough's manager also released a statement to UFC's website, writing:

"Even though it was not an easy task for him, it never stopped him from following his dreams, and bringing smiles to the faces of all he would meet…He will be missed by his millions of fans around the world, friends and family. Emanuel constantly demonstrated the need to help the obese, particularly children. And he traveled the world to bring awareness to obesity."

Yarbrough's mom has set up a GoFundMe page asking fans to help the family pay for funeral costs. Our hearts go out to his loved ones at this trying time.